The Zambian Government has in recent years increased budgetary allocation to social protection leading to unprecedented scale up of various programs. Nonetheless, until the launch of the 2014 National Social Protection policy, social protection interventions were being implemented without a coherent

During the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party held in October, China added the Belt and Road Initiative into its Constitution. This Initiative represents China’s latest great ambition to build a global economic empire. If executed successfully, it would be Chinese President Xi Jinping’s most important foreign policy and greatest legacy.

The third pillar of the Zambia Plus economic recovery programme, which the Finance Minister launched in October 2016, focuses on improving economic and fiscal governance by raising the levels of accountability and transparency in the allocation and use of public finances.

As the Honourable Minister of Finance read out the 2017 budget speech on 11th November, he echoed the theme Restoring Fiscal Fitness for Sustained Inclusive Growth and Development several times. What does fiscal fitness mean for government budgets, and how can Government achieve it in 2017?

Over the years, Zambia's demand for motor vehicles has increased in tandem with economic growth. In the absence of an efficient public transport system, privately owned vehicles provide a more reliable and efficient alternative mode of transportation that facilitates economic and social activities. However, the policies governing the importation of vehicles in Zambia particularly taxation, have been a subject of debate mainly because they do not incentivise consumers to acquire newer and safer motor vehicles.

On the 9th of October, 2015, during the national budget address, the Minister of Finance announced the Government's plan to raise K41.9 billion from domestic resources in 2016, representing 20.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Currently, with falling copper prices, severe energy shortages and a depreciating Kwacha, meeting the 2016 revenue target is likely to be an uphill battle compared to the 2015 revenue target of 18.1% of GDP. Moreover, Government has often revised revenue targets downwards even in years with good economic performance.